Adjustable tray for vehicle

ABSTRACT

An assembly includes a tray portion and a base. The base supports the tray portion. The tray portion may move within a substantially horizontal plane in an infinite number of directions. The base portion allows for the vertical movement of the tray. The assembly may also include a locking mechanism capable of preventing movement of the tray in the horizontal plane when desired.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an adjustable tray. Specifically, the invention relates to an adjustable tray capable of being adjusted within a vertical plane and a horizontal plane.

2. Description of the Related Art

U.S. Pat. No. 2,307,396 discloses a Sliding Table Top Construction. The disclosed invention relates to dining tables, in particular, with the purpose of providing means of space economy where space is at a premium, such as, for instance, in restaurant booths and breakfast nooks. The table top construction permits lateral movement of the table top in any direction independent of the base. This lateral movement is achieved without separating the table from its support, thereby permitting closer seating provisions. The table includes a table top proper, or super table, and a sub-table, or base, upon which the super table slides laterally in any direction. The sub-table is a fixed member which does not change position. A spacing ring with a thickness equal to the sub-table, is attached to the outer edge of the super table, and a retaining plate is secured to the spacing ring. The retaining ring plate includes an opening somewhat smaller than the diameter of the sub-table. A supporting pedestal member, which may be anchored to the floor, is configured to support the super table and is affixed to the sub-table. This combination of components allows the super table to move relative to the sub-table, thereby allowing a person to position the super table without moving the sub-table and base combination.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,341,700 discloses an XY Movement Mechanism. The disclosed mechanism includes a fixed base having a first surface and a movable member having a second surface. The movable member is disposed for movement relative to the fixed base, and the second surface is parallel with and faces toward the first surface. The first surface includes a first groove extending in an X direction, and the second surface includes a second groove extending in a Y direction. The X direction differs from the Y direction, and both directions are parallel to the first surface and to the second surface. The first and second grooves, respectively, have overlying regions when the movable member is disposed for movement relative to the fixed base. An XY guide element includes a first half disposed in the first groove for sliding non-rotational relative movement in the X direction, and a second half disposed in the second groove for sliding non-rotating relative movement in the Y direction. The first and second halves further include portions thereof disposed within the overlying regions of the first and second grooves. The movable member is capable of movement in the X direction as the first half of the XY guide element moves in the X direction along the first groove. In addition, the movable member is capable of movement in the Y direction.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,615,620 discloses a Desk Especially Adapted for Use in a Vehicle. One embodiment of the desk includes a base plate securable to a vehicle floor board by way of conventional fasteners. The desk includes a centrally disposed fixed cylindrical pedestal extending upward from the base plate into an open bottom end of a tubular vertical support column. A first set screw secures the support column against rotational and vertical adjustment relative to the pedestal. A mounting standard includes a straight lower leg portion secured by a second set screw in a telescopically adjusted position within an upper end of the vertical support column. The upper leg of the mounting standard is inclined at a 45° angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the support column. A third set screw adjustably secures the upper end of the inclined upper leg of the mounting standard in a telescoping relation with a mounting socket. In addition, a pivotable mounting bracket adjustably secures a support platform to the upper end of the mounting socket in conjunction with a toggle clamping screw. Conventional fasteners, such as screws, secure a desk surface to the support platform. When fully assembled, the device may be used in a vehicle or detached from the pedestal and secured to conventional microphone stand or other support for use as a portable podium at oral presentations. The device may also be used without the desk surface to support a variety of articles, such as two-way radios.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,328,267 discloses an Arm Support and Pad for Mouse Using the Same. The arm support includes a displacing stand and a fixed stand. The arm support is formed by placing the displacing stand onto the fixed stand. The combination of the displacing stand and the fixed stand form a pad stand. The displacing stand includes a boss portion, and the surface of the fixed stand includes a hole. A pad body may be coupled with a plurality of recessed portions formed on the pad stand. When properly arranged, the displacing stand may traverse and rotate with respect to the fixed stand. Furthermore, when an operator is operating a mouse by placing an arm on the arm support, the arm does not rub the table on which the pad stand is positioned.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention include a base, a tray and a locking mechanism. The base includes a first member and a second member moveable relative to the first member. The tray is mounted to the base and is moveable in a substantially horizontal plane in a plurality of directions. The locking mechanism is connected to the tray. The locking mechanism includes a handle and a locking member capable of preventing movement of the tray relative to the base.

In embodiments of the invention, the assembly includes a rubber member that engages the tray in order to prevent movement. The tray may include a support plate for supporting a tray portion. The support plate may be engaged by the rubber member in order to prevent movement of the tray. In embodiments of the invention, the tray further includes a base plate connected to the tray portion and a member connecting the base plate to the locking mechanism.

In embodiments of the invention, the base includes a motor assembly including a first member, a second member, a motor and a converter capable of converting rotational movement of the motor into translational movement of the second member relative to the first member. In embodiments of the invention, the motor assembly includes a base portion connected to a first end and a plate member connected to a second end. The base may also include a second motor assembly.

In embodiments of the invention, the tray includes a tray portion, a base plate supporting the tray portion, a plurality of rollers supporting the base plate and a support tray supporting the plurality of rollers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a is an exploded perspective view of components included in the embodiment of the invention depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front exploded perspective view of a subset of components depicted in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a lower exploded perspective view of a subset of components depicted in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a component depicted in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a component depicted in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a subset of components included in the embodiment of the invention depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one of the components depicted in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of one of the components depicted in FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of two of the components depicted in FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of an assembly depicted in FIG. 7;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a component depicted in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a component depicted in FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of an assembly including components depicted in FIG. 11;

FIG. 15 is a front section view of the embodiment of the invention depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an assembly depicted in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a component depicted in FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a component depicted in FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of an assembly depicted in FIG. 17;

FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of an assembly depicted in FIG. 17;

FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view of an assembly depicted in FIG. 16;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a component depicted in FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a component depicted in FIG. 23; and

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an assembly depicted in FIG. 23.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

With reference to FIG. 1, numeral 10 generally indicates a tray assembly representing an embodiment of the invention. In the present embodiment of the invention, assembly 10 includes a base portion, generally indicated by numeral 12, and a tray portion, generally indicated by numeral 14.

As seen in FIG. 2, base portion 12 includes a lower portion, generally indicated by numeral 20, and an upper portion, generally indicated by numeral 22. Lower portion 20 includes a base plate 30, an inner canister 32, and a motor assembly 34. Base plate 30 may be manufactured from any rigid material. Base plate 30 is a substantially planar plate having a rectangular profile.

As seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, inner canister 32 includes a front plate 40, a rear plate 42, and a pair of side plates 44. Each of the plates 40, 42, 44 may be manufactured from any rigid material. In embodiments of the invention, inner canister 32 may be formed of a single aluminum extrusion. In other embodiments of the invention, the plates 40, 42, 44 comprising the inner canister 32 may be joined in any manner, such as thorough welding.

In the present embodiment of the invention, front plate 40 includes a front opening 46. Front opening 46 is directed toward the upper edge of front plate 40, and includes an arcuate portion.

In the present embodiment of the invention, the side plates 44 have side openings 48. Side openings 48 are directed toward the upper edge of the side plates 44 and include an arcuate portion. Side openings 48 are positioned so as to be directly across from each other in the present embodiment of the invention.

Motor assembly 34 includes motor 50, motor linkage 52, base portion 54 and plate portion 56. In the present embodiment of the invention, motor 50 may be any standard motor capable of causing rotation upon receiving an electrical signal. For example, motor 50 may be an electric motor which may be activated by a switch (not shown). Motor 50 is of a size to allow motor 50 to be received by inner canister 32.

In the present embodiment of the invention, motor linkage 52 includes a converter 60, an outer support 62 and an inner support 64. Converter 60 is fixedly coupled to outer support 62 and movably coupled to inner support 64, and is of the type that converts rotational movement of motor 50 into linear movement of inner support 64.

In the present embodiment of the invention, outer support 62 is sized and configured to receive a portion of inner support 64. Accordingly, when motor 50 is activated in a first direction, converter 60 causes inner support 64 to travel out of outer support 62, thereby increasing the overall length of motor linkage 52. Furthermore, when motor 50 operates in the opposite direction, converter 60 withdraws the inner support 64 into the outer support 62, thereby decreasing the overall length of motor linkage 52.

In the present embodiment of the invention, base portion 54 is attached to an end of inner support 64 opposite converter 60. Base portion 54 may be of any type capable of supporting motor linkage 52. Base portion 54 may be attached to the inner support 64 in any known manner. For example, fasteners (not shown) may attach the base portion 54 to inner support 64. In other embodiments, the base portion 54 may be welded to inner support 64.

Similarly, plate portion 56 may be attached to converter 60 in any manner. In addition, plate portion 56 is sized and positioned so that plate portion 56 may be received at least partially within the side openings 48 of inner canister 32. Plate portion 56 includes a plurality of receiving areas, each generally indicated by numeral 66.

In the present embodiment of the invention, upper portion 22 includes a rear plate 70, a front plate 72, a plurality of rollers, each generally indicated by numeral 74, and a pair of side plates, each indicated by numeral 76, as seen in FIG. 4. Rear plate 70 has a rectangular shape and is made out of a rigid material such as metal. Rear plate 70 includes a plurality of receiving areas, each generally indicated by numeral 80. The receiving areas 80 may include a plurality of threads, thereby allowing the receiving areas to receive a fastener (not shown).

Front plate 72 has a size complementary to rear plate 70. In addition, front plate 72 similarly includes a plurality of receiving areas, each generally indicated by numeral 82, formed in the side edges thereof. The receiving areas 82 may also include threads, thereby allowing the receiving areas 82 to receive threaded fasteners (not shown).

In the present embodiment of the invention, the front plate 72 includes an upper opening 84. Upper opening 84 has an arcuate shaped portion and is directed toward the upper edge of the front plate 72. In the current embodiment of the invention, the upper opening 84 is sufficiently sized to receive motor 50.

As depicted in FIG. 5, each of the rollers 74 includes a roller portion 90 and an affixing portion 92. Roller portion 90 may be of any type known in the art capable of allowing rotation with respect to affixing portion 92. In the present embodiment of the invention, the affixing portion 92 includes a threaded portion 94 and a nut 96.

In the present embodiment of the invention, side plates 76 include a vertical portion 100 and a horizontal portion 102 that are formed from a single piece of material, as shown in FIG. 6. In embodiments of the invention, however, the vertical portion 100 and the horizontal portion 102 may be formed from separate pieces of material that may be affixed together in a suitable manner, such as by welding. The material utilized to form the portions 100, 102 may be any durable or rigid material.

In the present embodiment of the invention, vertical portion 100 includes a plurality of roller apertures, generally indicated by numeral 104, front plate apertures, generally indicated by numeral 106, rear plate apertures, generally indicated by numeral 108 and plate portion apertures, generally indicated by numeral 110. The roller apertures 104 are sized and configured to receive the receiving portion 92 of rollers 74. The roller apertures 104 are positioned throughout the vertical portion 100 so that when rollers 74 are received by the roller apertures 104 sufficient space exists between the rollers 74 to allow the roller 74 to receive inner canister 32.

The front plate apertures 106 are located in vertical portion 100 at positions complementary to the receiving areas 82 of front plate 72. Thus, when front plate 72 is properly positioned with respect to the vertical portion 100, front plate apertures 106 align with the receiving areas 82.

Similarly, rear plate apertures 108 are spaced within the vertical portion 100 at positions complementary to the receiving areas 80 of rear plate 70.

The vertical portions 100 further include plate portion apertures 110. The plate portion apertures 110 are sized and configured to mate with the receiving areas 66 present within the plate portion 56.

In addition, the horizontal portion 102 includes apertures 112. In the present embodiment of the invention, the apertures 112 are positioned proximate the ends of horizontal portion 102.

With reference now to FIGS. 1 through 6, the assembly of lower portion 20 will be described. It should be noted that this assembly process is being described for exemplary purposes only and is not a limitation as to the order of steps in assembling the lower portion 20.

Inner canister 32 may be affixed to base portion 30 in any suitable manner. For example, inner canister 32 may be welded to the base portion 30 so as to ensure that the inner canister 32 and the base portion 30 are secured.

The motor assembly 34 is positioned such that a majority of the motor linkage 52 resides within the inner portion of inner canister 32. When motor assembly 34 is properly positioned, plate portion 56 should at least partially reside within the side openings 48 of the inner canister 32.

The rollers 74 are then affixed to the vertical portions 100 of side plates 76. Specifically, nuts 96 may be removed from the threaded portions 94 in a conventional manner. The threaded portions 94 of the rollers 74 are inserted into the roller apertures 104 in the vertical portions 100. The nuts 96 may then be threaded onto the threaded portions 94 in a conventional manner, thereby affixing rollers 74 to the vertical portions 100. As explained above, the distance separating the rollers 74 should be sufficient so as to allow the inner canister 32 to be received intermediate the rollers 74. The side plates 76 may then be positioned such that the rollers 74 contact inner canister 32.

When the side plates 76 are properly aligned with respect to the inner canister 32, the receiving areas 66 of plate portion 56 are aligned with the plate portion apertures 110 in the vertical portions 100. Once the apertures 100 have been aligned with the receiving areas 66, a plurality of fasteners (not shown) affix the side plates 76 to the plate portion 56.

Front plate 72 is then positioned so that the receiving areas 82 of front plate 72 align with front plate apertures 106. It should be noted that in this position, upper opening 84 of front plate 72 receives motor 50. Once front plate 72 has been properly located with respect to the vertical portions 100, a plurality of fasteners (not shown) affix the front plate 72 to the vertical portions 100 of side plates 72.

The rear plate 70 is positioned intermediate the side plates 76. When rear plate 70 is properly aligned with respect to the side plates 76, the receiving areas 80 present within the rear plate 70 align with the rear plate apertures 108 present within the vertical portions 100 of side plates 72. Once the apertures 108 have been aligned with the receiving areas 80, a plurality of fasteners (not shown) may be utilized to attach the rear plate 70 to the side plates 76.

As would be understood by one with ordinary skill in the art, this combination of components would allow the upper portion 22 to move with respect to the lower portion 20 upon activation of the motor 50. For example, when motor 50 rotates in a direction causing inner support 64 to extend out of outer support 62, as described above with respect to motor linkage 52. This movement results in an increase in the separation distance between base portion 54 and plate portion 56 of motor linkage 52. Due to the interconnection between plate portion 56 and side plates 76, as the distance separating the plate portion 56 and the base portion 54 increases, the distance separating the side plates 76 and the base portion 54 will also increase. Moreover, due to the interconnection between the base plate 30 and base portion 54, the above-described movement will also cause the upper portion 22 to move away from base plate 30. Moreover, when motor 50 is activated in the opposite direction, the distance separating base portion 54 and plate portion 56 would decrease, thereby causing upper portion 22 to move in the direction of base plate 30.

In addition, the rollers 74 encompass inner canister 32, in the final assembly of base portion 12, and ride along the front plate 40 and rear plate 42. The engagement of the rollers 74 and inner canister 32 helps to stabilize the upper portion 22 with respect to the lower portion 20 as the upper portion 22 move in a vertical direction.

Referring now to FIG. 7, tray portion 14 includes tray member 130, base plate 132, support plate 134, roller bearing assembly 136, locking plate 138, friction plate 140, and locking mechanism 142.

In the present embodiment of the invention, tray portion 130 includes a horizontal member 150 encompassed by a vertical wall 152. The horizontal member 150 and vertical walls 152 may be formed of a single piece of rigid material. In embodiments of the invention, however, the horizontal member 150 and vertical walls 152 may be manufactured from separate metal materials and affixed together in any manner. In the present embodiment of the invention, horizontal member 150 is located intermediate the upper and lower edges of the vertical wall 152. This creates an upper recess 154 and a lower recess (not shown) in tray portion 130. The lower recess is located opposite upper recess 154.

In the present embodiment of the invention, base plate 132 includes a horizontal plate 160 and vertical plates 162. Base plate 132 may be manufactured from a rigid metal material. Accordingly, horizontal plate 160 and vertical plates 162 may be integrally formed with horizontal plate 160 positioned proximate the upper edges of the vertical plates 162. Accordingly, a recessed area (not shown) is formed intermediate the vertical plates 162 and below horizontal plate 160.

In the present embodiment of the invention, horizontal plate 160 includes a central aperture 164 and a plurality of surrounding apertures 166. Central aperture 164 is located approximately in the center of horizontal plate 160 and extends entirely therethrough into the lower recess. The surrounding apertures 166 surround the central aperture 164 and also extend through horizontal plate 160 into the lower recess.

As shown in FIG. 8, in the present embodiment of the invention, support plate 134 includes a horizontal portion 170 and vertical walls 172. In the present embodiment of the invention, the support plate 134 is manufactured from a single piece of metal material. However, in alternative embodiments, the support plate may be manufactured from multiple pieces of material, such as metal, that are fixed together.

Referring still to FIG. 8, the vertical walls 172 extend upwards from the horizontal portion 170 defining a recessed area, generally indicated by a numeral 174. Horizontal portion 170 further includes an aperture 176 located in the center thereof. In the present embodiment of the invention, aperture 176 has a rectangular shape. Horizontal portion 170 further includes a plurality of mounting apertures, each generally indicated by a numeral 178. In the present embodiment of the invention, the mounting apertures 178 are positioned proximate the corners of the horizontal portion 170. In the present embodiment of the invention, support plate 134 is sized to be received within the lower recess of base plate 132.

With reference now to FIG. 9, the roller bearing assemblies 136 each include a track 180 and a plurality of rollers, each indicated by a numeral 182. In the present embodiment of the invention, track 180 is manufactured from a single piece of metallic material. Track 180 includes a horizontal portion 184 and a pair of vertical portions, each indicated by a numeral 186. The vertical portions 186 extend downward along the longer edges of the horizontal portion 184.

Horizontal portion 184 includes three roller apertures, each generally indicated by a numeral 188, and a pair of mounting apertures, each indicated by a numeral 190. The roller apertures 188 are positioned intermediate the mounting apertures 190. In the present embodiment of the invention, the mounting apertures 190 are spaced a distance equal to the distance separating mounting apertures 178 on a given side of support plate 134. In addition, the roller apertures 188 are sized and configured to receive rollers 182.

Referring still to FIG. 9, rollers 182 include a body portion 192 and a roller bearing, or ball bearing, 194. Rollers 182 may be of any type known in the art. In the present embodiment of the invention, the body portion 192 retains the roller bearing 194 in a manner allowing the roller bearing 194 to rotate freely within body portion 192. A portion of roller bearing 194, however, extends above body portion 192, but roller bearing 194 is not permitted to escape from the body portion 192. Body portion 192 is sized and configured to be received within the roller apertures 188 in the final assembly of the roller bearing assemblies 136, the body portion 192 is retained within the roller apertures 188.

Referring now to FIG. 10, locking plate 138 may be manufactured from a metallic material and includes an upper surface 200 and a lower surface 202. Both upper surface 200 and lower surface 202 are substantially smooth. Locking plate 138 includes a central aperture 204 and a plurality of apertures 206. In the present embodiment of the invention, central aperture 204 has a rectangular shape. Apertures 206 are spaced so as to encompass the central aperture 204.

In the present embodiment of the invention, friction plate 140 has a shape substantially similar to that of locking plate 138, as illustrated by FIG. 10. Specifically, friction plate 140 has an upper surface 210 and a lower surface 212. Friction plate 140 also includes a central aperture 214 with a shape configured to mirror that of central aperture 204. Friction plate 140 may be manufactured from any material capable of creating friction, such as rubber.

In the present embodiment of the invention, the locking mechanism 142 includes a handle member 220, a connector 222, a latch 224, a lower plate 226, an upper plate 228, and a central member 230 as illustrated in FIG. 11. The handle member 220 is manufactured out of metal and may be configured in any manner desired. In the present embodiment of the invention, handle member 220 includes a body portion 240 intermediate a first grip 242 and a second grip 244. The first grip 242 and the second grip 244 extend in at 90° angles with respect to body portion 240.

With reference now to FIG. 12, connector 222 may be manufactured from a rigid material, such as a metal, and comprises a vertical wall 250. The vertical wall 250 includes lower recessed areas 252 and upper recessed areas 254. The lower recessed areas 252 are sized and configured to at least partially receive the body portion 240 of handle member 220. The upper recessed areas 254 are positioned within a vertical wall 250 at a 90° angle with respect to the lower recessed areas 252. In addition, the upper recessed areas 254 open upwards, whereas the lower recessed areas 252 open downwards.

As shown in FIG. 13, latch 224 includes a connecting portion 260, a fixed portion 26 and an extending portion 264. Latch 224 may be any latch known in the art. In the present embodiment of the invention, the connecting portion 260 is sized and configured to mate with the upper recessed areas 254 of connector 222. The connecting portion 260 is attached to the fixed portion 262 by way of a pivot 266. In addition, the connecting portion 260 is internally connected to the extending portion 264 in a manner allowing the extending portion 264 to extend out of fixed portion 262 when connecting portion 260 pivots about pivot 266 in one direction. When connecting portion 260 pivots about pivot 266 in the opposite direction, extending portion 264 is withdrawn into the fixed portion 262. It should be noted that fixed portion 262 includes a larger diameter portion 268 from which extending portion 264 extends. Larger diameter portion 268 has a larger diameter relative to the extending portion 264.

With reference now to FIG. 14, in the present embodiment of the invention, lower plate 226 may be manufactured from a rigid material, such as a metal. The lower plate 226 includes a central aperture 280 and surrounding apertures 282. In the embodiment of the invention depicted, the apertures 282 are positioned about central apertures 280 in a manner complementary to the positioning of the apertures 206 relative to the central aperture 204 in locking plate 138. In the present embodiment of the invention, the lower plate 226 has a rectangular shape.

Upper plate 228 also includes a central aperture 290 and a plurality of surrounding apertures, each generally indicated by a numeral 292. The position of the apertures 292 relative to central aperture 290 mirrors the position of the apertures 166 encompassing central aperture 164 in base plate 132. In the present embodiment of the invention, the upper plate 228 has a rectangular shape and may be manufactured from any rigid material, such as metal.

In the present embodiment of the invention, central member 230 includes an outer member 310, an inner member 312, and a sleeve 314. The outer member 310 comprises four vertical walls 320, each positioned at a right angle so as to give the outer member 310 a rectangular cross-section. The vertical walls 320 include a plurality of apertures, each generally indicated by a numeral 322. The apertures 322 extend into the central area 324 defined by the vertical walls 320.

Referring still to FIG. 14, inner member 312 similarly includes a plurality of vertical walls, each generally indicated by a numeral 326. The vertical walls 326 of inner member 312 are also positioned at right angles, thereby giving inner member 312 a rectangular cross-section. Inner member 312 is sized and configured to be received within central area 324 of outer member 310. In addition, outer member 310 and inner member 312 may each be manufactured from a rigid material such as a metal.

Sleeve 314 may be manufactured from a metal and has a cylindrical shape. In the present embodiment of the invention, sleeve 314 is sized and configured to be received within inner member 312.

Now that the components comprising tray portion 14 have been described, the assembly of the tray portion 14 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 through 14. This description is being given for exemplary purposes only, and one with ordinary skill in the art would understand that the steps described herein may be altered as desired.

In order to assemble tray portion 14, the central member 230 is assembled by positioning within the inner member 312 central area 324 of outer member 310. A plurality of fasteners (not shown) may then be inserted into apertures 322 in order to retain the inner member 312 within outer member 310. The central member 230 may then be placed upon lower plate 226, with central aperture 280 aligned with the longitudinal center of inner member 312. The central member 230 is sized and configured to be received by aperture 204 of locking plate 328. Accordingly, locking plate 328 may be placed upon lower plate 226, with central member 230 extending upward through central aperture 204 of locking plate 138. A plurality of fasteners (not shown) may then connect locking plate 138 with lower plate 226. Specifically, the fasteners extend into apertures 206 of the locking plate 138 and into the apertures 282 of lower plate 226. Once the fasteners have been inserted into the corresponding apertures 282, friction plate 140 may be slipped over central member 230. Accordingly, central member 230 would extend through aperture 214 of friction plate 140.

A portion of locking mechanism 142 may be assembled by connecting the handle member 220, the connector 222, and the latch 224 in the manner described above. The handle member 220 may be affixed to the connector 222 in a known manner, and similarly, the connector 222 may be affixed to the latch 224 in a known manner.

The roller bearing assemblies 136 may be affixed to the support plate 134 by aligning mounting apertures 190 of the roller bearing assemblies 136 should align with the mounting apertures 178 positioned within the support plate 134. When properly positioned, the roller bearing assemblies 136 extend parallel and near the long side edges of the support plate 134. Fasteners (not shown) may be utilized to affix the roller bearing assemblies 136 to the support plates 134.

With the roller bearing assemblies 136 affixed to the support plate 134, the support plate 134 may be placed on top of friction plate 140. Once the support plate 134 has been placed on friction plate 140, upper plate 228 may be placed on central member 230, and the central aperture 290 of upper plate 228 aligns with the central aperture 280 of lower plate 226. Base plate 132 may then be placed on upper plate 228. The central aperture 164 of base plate 132 aligns with the central aperture 290 of upper plate 228 when base plate 132 is properly positioned. Similarly, the apertures 166 of base plate 132 align with apertures 292 of upper plate 228, when base plate 132 is properly positioned. A plurality of fasteners (not shown) are then utilized to connect base plate 132 to upper plate 228 in a conventional manner.

A fastener may then be inserted into central aperture 164 of base plate 132. The fastener extends through central aperture 290, sleeve 314, and out through central aperture 280 of lower plate 226. An aperture (not shown) present within extending portion 264 receives the fastener, thereby affixing latch 224 to the fastener. Tray portion 130 is then placed upon base plate 132, with base plate 132 specifically received within the lower recess of tray portion 130. Tray portion 130 may be affixed to the base plate 132 in a known manner, such as by welding, in order to complete the assembly of tray 14.

Tray portion 14 is positioned on base portion 12. When properly arranged, support plate 134 may be connected to the horizontal plates 122 of side plates 76 by way of a plurality of fasteners (not shown). In other embodiments of the invention, the support plate 134 may be connected to the side plates 76 in any suitable manner. This interconnection completes the assembly of the mail tray assembly 10.

With reference now to FIGS. 1 through 15, the tray portion 14 of tray assembly 10 is connected to upper portion 22 of base portion 12, and as described previously above, upper portion 22 may be moved in relation to base portion 12 when desired. Accordingly, one may increase or decrease the distance separating base plate 30 of base portion 12 and tray portion 14. Alternatively, one may also decrease the distance separating tray portion 130 and base plate 30, when desired, by causing the movement of upper portion 22 relative to lower portion 20 as described above. This allows one to raise or lower the tray portion 14 as desired

It should be noted that only support plate 134 and roller bearing assemblies 136 are fixedly connected to base portion 12. The remainder of the components comprising tray portion 14 reside upon the rollers 182 present within the roller bearing assemblies 136. Thus, when extending portion 264 of latch 224 is fully extended from fixed portion 262, base plate 132 is free to traverse along the rollers 182 of the roller bearing assemblies 136. Accordingly, the tray portion 14 is free to move in a horizontal plane in any direction with respect to base portion 12. Once an operator has located the tray portion 14 in the desired location, the operator may then actuate handle member 220 in such a way so as to withdraw extending portion 264 into fixed portion 262 of the latch 224. The withdrawing of extending portion 264 into fixed portion 262 has the effect of decreasing the distance separating base plate 132 and friction plate 140. Moreover, since the base plate 132 is supported upon the roller bearing assemblies 136, the ultimate effect of withdrawing extending portion 264 into fixed portion 262 is to raise rubber portion 140 into contact with support plate 134. Once friction plate 140 has been compressed into contact with support plate 134, the resulting friction will prevent movement of friction plate 140 with respect to the base plate 134. In addition, since friction plate 140 is directly connected to base plate 132 by way of central member 230, the contact between friction plate 140 and support plate 134 prevents movement of base plate 132 with respect to support plate 134. Accordingly, in this manner, an operator may prevent the movement of tray portion 130 with respect to base portion 12. Moreover, when an operator desires again to move tray portion 130 with respect to base portion 12, the operator need only actuate handle member 220, thereby forcing extending portion 264 out of fixed portion 262. The larger diameter portion 264 of fixed portion 262 will again cause increased separation distance between the rubber portion 140 and the base plate 132. With this increased distance, rubber portion 140 will separate from support plate 134, thereby freeing base plate 132 and tray portion 130 to move freely upon the roller bearing assemblies 136.

The final assembly of assembly 10 allows for the vertical adjustment of the height of tray 130, by way of base portion 12. In addition, the tray portion 14 allows horizontal movement of tray 130 relative to the base portion 12. The type of movement allows the assembly 10 to be utilized in a variety of applications. For example, the assembly may be utilized in postal vehicles, delivery vehicles, or the like.

With reference to FIGS. 16 through 25, an alternate embodiment of the mail tray assembly, generally indicated by numeral 1000, is depicted. Tray assembly 1000 includes base portion 1012 and a tray portion 1014. In the present embodiment of the invention, base portion 1012 includes a pair of support assemblies 1020. The support assemblies 1020 each have identical configurations but are mirror images.

As shown in FIG. 17, the support assemblies 1020 include a base plate 1022, an upper support plate 1024, a motor assembly 1026, and a pair of support legs 1028.

As shown in FIG. 18, base plate 1022 is a rectangular-shaped piece of rigid material, such as a metal. Proximate the short outer edges, base 1022 includes a plurality of four mounting apertures, each generally indicated by a numeral 1030. Base 1022 further includes a plurality of support leg mounting apertures, each generally indicated by a numeral 1032, located interior to the floor mounting apertures 1030.

FIG. 19 depicts a perspective view of upper support plate 1024. Upper support plate 1024 may be manufactured from a single piece of rigid material, such as a metal. In the present embodiment of the invention, upper support plate 1024 includes a lower horizontal surface 1040 having a rectangular shape, a first vertical wall 1042, and a second vertical wall 1044, each extending upward from the long edges of lower horizontal surface 1040. Upper horizontal surface 1046 extends outward from the upper surface of second vertical wall 1044. In the present embodiment of the invention, lower horizontal surface 1040 includes a plurality of apertures, each generally indicated by numeral 1048. First vertical wall 1042 includes a plurality of apertures, each generally indicated by numeral 1050. In addition, upper horizontal surface 1046 includes a plurality of apertures, each shown indicated by numeral 1052. It should be noted that in the present embodiment of the invention, upper support plate 1024 is depicted as a single piece of material, however, as would be understood by one skilled in the art, the upper support plate 1024 may comprise multiple pieces of material affixed together in any suitable manner.

FIG. 20 depicts an exploded perspective view of motor assembly 1026. In the present embodiment of the invention, motor assembly 1026 includes a motor 1060, a base portion 1062, and an extension 1064. Motor 1060 is an electric motor that is reversible. Motor 1060 is coupled to base portion 1062 and extension 1064 in a manner ensuring that, upon activation of motor 1060 in a first direction, extension 1064 extends away from base portion 1062. Conversely, when motor 1060 is activated the opposite direction, extension 1064 will be withdrawn into base portion 1062.

Base portion 1062 includes a mounting mechanism 1066. In the present embodiment of the invention, mounting mechanism 1066 comprises a pair of spaced apart walls 1068, each including an aperture 1070, a cotter pin 1072 of the type known in the art, and a mounting plate 1074. The spaced walls 1068 are spaced apart a distance sufficient to receive mounting plate 1074.

Referring still to FIG. 20, mounting plate 1074 includes an aperture 1076 approximately equivalent in size to apertures 1070 within the spaced walls 1068. Accordingly, once mounting plate 1074 is properly positioned intermediate spaced walls 1068, cotter pin 1072 may be inserted into the apertures 1076 in order to affix the mounting plate 1074 to the spaced walls 1068. When one desires to affix the motor assembly 1026 to base plate 1022, one need only then affix mounting plate 1074 to base plate 1022, thereby allowing the remainder of the motor assembly 1026 to be removable by the usage of the cotter pin, as would be understood by one with the skill in the art.

Extension 1064 also includes a pair of spaced walls 1078 opposite the spaced walls 1068. Spaced walls 1078 include apertures 1080 capable of receiving cotter pin 1082. Extension 1064 also includes a mounting plate 1084 having an aperture 1086. In a manner similar to that described above with respect to the base portion 1062, the mounting plate 1084 may be attached to spaced walls 1078 by cotter pin 1082.

FIG. 21 depicts a support leg 1028. In the present embodiment of the invention, support leg 1028 includes lower support portion 1090, upper support portion 1092, and mounting bracket 1094. In the present embodiment of the invention, lower support portion 1090 is larger and receives upper support portion 1092 in a manner allowing upper support portion 1092 to telescope relative to the lower support portion 1090.

In the present embodiment of the invention, mounting bracket 1094 is manufactured from a rigid metallic material and includes a central aperture 1096 and a plurality of mounting apertures 1098. The positioning of the mounting apertures 1098 in mounting bracket 1094 mirrors those of support leg mounting apertures 1032 in base 1022. In addition, central aperture 1096 is sized and configured to receive and retain lower support portion 1090.

Now that the components of base portion 1012 have been described, the assembly of base portion 1012 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 16 through 21. These steps are being given merely as an example and are not intended to limit the assembly of base portion 1012 in any manner. The lower support portion 1090 is inserted into central aperture 1096 and the mounting bracket 1094 is affixed thereto. A plurality of fasteners (not shown) may then be inserted into the mounting apertures 1098 and support leg mounting apertures 1032 of base plate 1022. The fasteners succeed then in attaching the mounting bracket 1094 to the base plate 1022.

Mounting plate 1074 may then be affixed to base plate 1022. For example, mounting plate 1074 may be welded to the central portion of base plate 1022. Once mounting plate 1074 has been affixed to base plate 1022, cotter pin 1072 may be utilized to attach the spaced walls 1068 to the mounting plate 1074. The attachment of spaced walls 1068 to mounting plate 1074 succeeds in attaching the motor assembly 1026 to base plate 1022.

With the motor assembly 1026 and support legs 1028 attached to base plate 1022, upper support plate 1024 may now be attached. Motor assembly 1026 is inserted into the central of the three apertures 1048 located in horizontal surface 1040. Similarly, the support legs 1028 are inserted into the outer of the apertures 1048. The upper portion of support legs 1028 may then be affixed to upper support plate 1024. Similarly, mounting plate 1084 may be positioned intermediate spaced walls 1078 and affixed thereto by way of cotter pin 1082. In addition, mounting plate 1048 may then be affixed to upper support plate 1024, such as by welding. This secures the motor assembly 1026 and support legs 1028 to the upper support plate 1024. Moreover, activation of motor 1060 in a manner causing extension 1064 to extend from base portion 1062 will increase the distance separating upper support plate 1024 and base plate 1022. Conversely, activation of motor 1060 in the opposite direction would decrease the distance separating base plate 1022 and upper support plate 1024.

As shown in FIG. 22, tray portion 1014 is similar to the tray portion 14 described previously. Accordingly, with respect to this embodiment of the invention depicted, only those components differing from previous components will be described.

Tray portion 1014 includes a tray 1130, a base plate 1132, a support plate 1134, a pair of roller bearing assemblies 1136, a locking plate 1138, a friction plate 1140, and a locking mechanism 1142. In the present embodiment of the invention, tray portion 1130, base plate 1132, and the roller bearing assemblies 1136 are all substantially identical to the embodiments of the same components described previously with respect to the first embodiment of the invention. Similarly, rubber portion 1140 is substantially similar to the friction plate 140 described previously, except that in the current embodiment of the invention, the shape of the friction plate 1140 is illustrated differently. Accordingly, the description of the present embodiment of the invention will focus only on those components having different configurations. It should be noted that tray portion 1014 functions substantially similar to tray portion 14 described previously.

With respect to FIG. 23, support plate 1134 includes a main body member 1150 with a rectangular shape. Vertical walls 1152 extend upward along the longer edges of main body members 1150. Vertical walls 1154 extend downward from the shorter edges of main body member 1150. Main body member 1150 includes a central aperture 1156, a pair of motor assembly receiving apertures, each generally indicated by 1158, and a plurality of leg receiving apertures, each generally indicated by 1160. The motor receiving apertures 1158 are sized and configured to receive extension 1064 of motor assembly 1026. Similarly, the leg-receiving apertures 1160 are sized and configured to receive the upper support portion 1092 of support leg 1028. If desired, support plate 1134 may further include apertures in main body member 1150 and vertical walls 1154. These apertures may be configured to align with the apertures 1050 and 1052 in upper support plate 1024. This will provide a means for attaching the upper support plate 1024 to the support plate 1134. However, in embodiments of the invention, alternative mechanisms may be utilized to attach the upper support plate 1024 to the support plate 1134. For example, the upper support plate 1024 may be welded to the support plate 1134.

In the present embodiment of the invention, the locking plate 1138 has a circular shape and includes a central aperture 1170 and surrounding apertures 1172 similar to those described in previous embodiments of the locking plate, as shown in FIG. 24. However, the present embodiment of the locking plate 1138 further includes link-mounting apertures 1174. In the present embodiment of the invention, the link-mounting apertures 1174 are positioned proximate the edge of locking plate 1138.

FIG. 25 depicts a perspective view of locking mechanism 1142. Locking mechanism 1142 may be similar to that described previously. In the present embodiment, however, locking mechanism 1142 includes a pair of handles 1180, a pair of handle rods 1182, a pair of mounting brackets 1184, and a linkage member 1186. In the present embodiment of the invention, the handles 1180 are located on opposite sides of the tray portion 1114. The handles 1180 receive the handle rods 1182 in a secure manner so that the handle rods 1182 rotate with the handles 1180. The handle rods 1182 each extend through a mounting bracket 1184. The mounting brackets 1184 may include a bearing, or similar type component, allowing for the rotation of the handle rods 1182 therein. In the present embodiment of the invention, the handle rods 1182 are coupled to a linkage member 1186. Linkage member 1186 may be of any type capable of being affixed to locking plate 1138 and having a portion capable of extending or retracting upon rotation of handle rods 1182. Accordingly, linkage member 1186, once attached to locking plate 1138 and support plate 1134, may be used to increase or decrease the distance separating the locking plate 1138 and the support plate 1134.

The linkage mechanism 1186 functions similar to the locking mechanism 142 described previously. Similarly, in the present embodiment, when a maximum distance separates the locking plate 1138 and base plate 1132, the base plate 1132 is free to ride upon the roller bearing assemblies 1136. However, once an user has moved tray 1130 into the desired position, the user may then rotate the handles 1180, thereby causing linkage member 1186 to decrease the distance separating locking plate 1138 and base plate 1132. The decrease in distance causes rubber portion 1140 to frictionally engage the support plate 1134. This frictional engagement thereby prevents movement of the base plate 1132 on the roller bearing assemblies 1136.

In assembling tray portion 1114, locking mechanism 1142 is assembled with handle rods 1182 extending through mounting brackets 1184 and into linkage member 1186 in a manner allowing the handle rods to actuate the linkage member 1186. The handles 1180 may then be attached to the handle rods 1182. A plurality of fasteners (not shown) affix the mounting brackets 1184 to the mounting apertures 1174. When the mounting brackets are properly affixed to the locking plate 1138, linkage member 1186 extends upwards through central aperture 1170. Rubber portion 1140 may then be placed on the linkage member 1186, with linkage member 1186 extending through the central aperture of the rubber portion 1140. The roller bearing assemblies 1136 may then be attached to the support plate 1134 in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the previous embodiment. Once the roller bearing assemblies 1136 have been attached to the support plate 1134, the support plate 1134 may then be placed upon the locking plate 1138 with linkage member 1186 extending upwards through the central aperture 1156 of support plate 1134. Base plate 1132 is then placed upon and connected to linkage member 1186 by way of a fastener (not shown). The fastener may be inserted into the central aperture of the base plate 1132 similar to that described above with respect to the previous embodiment. Once base plate 1132 has been affixed to the linkage member 1186, tray 1130 is affixed to the base plate 1132 in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the previous embodiments of the invention. When properly assembled, the user may rotate handles 118, so as to extend linkage member 1186 to its maximum length, thereby creating maximum separating distance between base plate 1132 and rubber portion 1140. This moves rubber portion 1140 away from support plate 1134 and allows the base plate 1132 to traverse the roller bearing assemblies 1136. Once the user has reached a desired position with respect to the base plate 1132 and tray 1130, the user then rotates handles 1180 so as to bring locking plate 1138 into engagement with the support plate 1134. The friction created by this engagement prevents the base plate 1132 from traversing the roller bearing assemblies 1136.

In order to complete the assembly of the mail tray assembly 1000, the upper support plates 1124 are joined to the support plate 1134 in a manner described immediately above. This allows for a user to, upon activation of the motors 1060 in the motor assemblies 1026, raise and lower the tray portion 1014 of mail tray assembly 1000. In addition, as would be understood by one with ordinary skill in the art, the tray may also be moved and locked in a horizontal plane by way of the locking mechanism 1142, as described immediately above.

It should be noted that the embodiments described herein are for exemplary purposes only. Moreover, the inventors anticipate that one with ordinary skill in the art would readily be able to interchange the components of the various embodiments described herein. For example, the tray portion 12 of the first embodiment of the mail tray assembly 10 may be substituted for the tray portion 1014 of the second embodiment of the mail tray assembly 1000. Conversely, the base portion 12 of the first embodiment of the mail tray assembly 10 may be substituted for the base portion 1012 of the second embodiment of the mail tray assembly 1000. In addition, alternatives known to those with ordinary skill in the art may also be utilized in alternative embodiments of the invention. For example, a hydraulic lift may replace the electric motors of the present embodiment of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is limited to that set forth in the claims only.

While this invention has been described as having an exemplary design, the present invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. The application is intended, therefore, to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains. 

1. An assembly including: a base including a first member and a second member moveable relative to the first member; a tray mounted to the base and moveable in a substantially horizontal plane in a plurality of directions; and a locking mechanism connected to the tray including a handle and a locking member capable of preventing movement of the tray relative to the base.
 2. The assembly as set forth in claim 1 further including a rubber member that engages the tray in order to prevent movement.
 3. The assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein the tray further includes a support plate supporting a tray portion, the support plate being engaged by the rubber member to prevent movement of the tray.
 4. The assembly as set forth in claim 3 wherein the tray further includes a base plate connected to the tray portion and a member connecting the base plate to the locking mechanism.
 5. The assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein the base includes a motor assembly capable of creating movement of the first member relative to the second member.
 6. The assembly as set forth in claim 5 wherein the motor assembly includes a first member and a second member moveable relative to the first member, a motor, and a converter capable of converting rotational movement of the motor into translational movement of the second member relative to the first member.
 7. The assembly as set forth in claim 6 wherein the motor assembly further includes a base portion connected to a first end and a plate member connected to a second end.
 8. The assembly as set forth in claim 5 wherein the base includes a second motor assembly.
 9. The assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein the tray includes a tray portion, a base plate supporting the tray portion, a plurality of rollers supporting the base plate, and a support tray supporting the plurality of rollers.
 10. The assembly as set forth in claim 9 further including a member connecting the base plate directly to the locking mechanism.
 11. A tray assembly configured for use in a vehicle, the tray assembly including: a tray including a first member, a second member moveable relative to the first member and a distance separating at least a portion of the first member from the second member; a base supporting at least a portion of the tray; the base including a first member and a second member, moveable relative to the first member; and a mechanism connected to at least one of the first member of the tray or the second member of the tray, the mechanism controlling the distance separating the members of the tray.
 12. The tray assembly as set forth in claim 11 wherein at least a portion of the base is supported by a floor of the vehicle.
 13. The tray assembly as set forth in claim 12 wherein the first member of the tray is moveable with respect to the second member of the tray in a plane arranged substantially parallel to at least a portion of floor.
 14. The tray assembly as set forth in claim 12 wherein a second distance separates at least a portion of the tray from the floor and movement of the first member of the base relative to the second member of the base results in a change in the second distance.
 15. The tray assembly as set forth in claim 11 further including at least one roller assembly supporting the first member of the tray, the at least one roller assembly located in a fixed position relative to the second member of the tray.
 16. The tray assembly as set forth in claim 15 wherein each of the at least one roller assembly includes at least one roller and a frame configured to receive the at least one roller.
 17. The tray assembly as set forth in claim 16 wherein the frame of each of the at least one roller assembly is connected to the second member of the tray.
 18. The tray assembly as set forth in claim 11 further including a stop member at least partially supported by the mechanism, the stop member configured to contact at least one of the first member of the tray or the second member of the tray as the distance decreases in magnitude in order to prevent movement of the first member relative to the second member of the tray.
 19. The tray assembly as set forth in claim 18 wherein the mechanism is connected to the first member of the tray and the second member of the tray is at least partially located between the first member of the tray and the stop member.
 20. The tray assembly as set forth in claim 19 wherein the mechanism further includes a member supporting the stop member.
 21. The tray assembly as set forth in claim 20 wherein the second member of the tray is connected to the first member of the base.
 22. The tray assembly as set forth in claim 21 wherein the second member of the tray includes an aperture and at least a portion of the mechanism extending through the aperture.
 23. The tray assembly as set forth in claim 22 wherein the tray further includes a tray portion including a bottom and at least one side wall and the first member of the tray supports the tray portion.
 24. The tray assembly as set forth in claim 11 wherein the base includes a means for moving the first member of the base relative to the second member of the base.
 25. A tray assembly including: a tray including a first member, a second member, and at least one roller assembly, wherein the roller assembly supports the first member and is maintained in a fixed position relative to the second member, the first member of the tray moveable relative to the second member of the tray; a base configured to support the tray; and a locking device connected to the first member, the locking device being configured to prevent the movement of the first member of the tray relative to the second member of the tray.
 26. The tray assembly as set forth in claim 25 wherein the second member of the tray is connected to the base.
 27. The tray assembly as set forth in claim 25 wherein the base includes an extendable member including a first end and a second end, and a motor configured to cause the first end of the extendable member to move with respect to the second end of the extendable member.
 28. The tray assembly as set forth in claim 27 wherein the base includes a first member and a second member and the first member of the base is connected to the second member of the tray.
 29. The tray assembly as set forth in claim 28 wherein the first member of the base is connected to the first end of the extendable member and the second member is connected to the second end of the extendable member.
 30. The tray assembly as set forth in claim 29 wherein the base further includes a second extendable member and a second motor.
 31. The tray assembly as set forth in claim 25 wherein the locking device includes a first member and a second member, and the second member of the tray includes an aperture sized to allow at least a portion of the first member of the locking device to pass through but prevents at least a portion of the second member of the locking device from passing through.
 32. The tray assembly as set forth in claim 31 wherein the first member of the locking device is connected to the first member of the tray.
 33. The tray assembly as set forth in claim 32 wherein the second member of the locking device is formed at least in part from rubber.
 34. The tray assembly as set forth in claim 33 wherein at least a portion of the second member of the locking device contacts at least a portion of the second member of the tray as the locking device prevents movement of the first member of the tray with respect to the second member of the tray.
 35. The tray assembly as set forth in claim 25 wherein the base includes at least two support assemblies.
 36. The tray assembly as set forth in claim 35 wherein each support assembly includes at least two support legs and a motor assembly.
 37. The tray assembly as set forth in claim 36 wherein the second member of the tray has a substantially rectangular shape including four corners and the support legs of the base are connected to the second member near the corners of the second member. 